Teac HD-1 - Clock radio with iPod cradle Review

I've had this radio for about a month.I purchased it as a replacement for my 25 year-old alarm clock radio, and also to see what HD radio was like.Overall, the workmanship of the radio is fine, and the sound quality is decent, given the size and price.The radio has quite a few features packed in for the money, and from that standpoint, it is a good buy.FM reception is good.AM reception is average.

As I primarily use this as an alarm-clock radio, my review comes from using the radio for that purpose.I don't use the iPod docking function, or use the radio for casual listening.As such, the radio has some short-comings as an alarm-clock radio, and that's why I only gave it three stars. If used the radio primarily for something else, like casual daytime listening or an iPod dock, I could easily see rating it higher.The issues with the alarm clock function are as follows:

1) The display is way too bright for an alarm-clock radio, even on the dimmest setting.Particularly if the radio is sitting on a nightstand next to the bed.There are are three brigthness settings, but very little difference between them. Due to the brightness of the backlight, it is very difficult to glance over and see the time when it is dark if you've been sleeping and have just waken up.Backlit LCD is not the best display technology for an alarm-clock application.

2) When the alarm starts the radio, the time is no longer displayed.You can push a button to display the time, but it reverts back to the radio information.Not exactly convenient if you are laying in bed and need to see what time it is.During the alarm-clock function, a time display is more important than the radio station frequency or other HD information.The radio display function should have a display modes with a large time display that can be permanently selected.Perhaps along the bottom where the HD radio information scrolls by.The Sony radios have this feature.

3) When the radio is used as an alarm, the radio turns off 1 hour after it first goes off.For me, 1 hour is a little short, especially if I hit snooze a couple of times.My old radio used a two hour time period.Ideally, this setting could be adjustable.

4) The snooze is 6 minutes.That's a little short for me.Again, it would be nice if this setting was adjustable.

The last three issues could be fixed with some software changes.The first item would require a hardware change. Maybe I can find some tinted plastic film that could be fitted over the display to tone it down a bit.

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Product Description:
More local FM channels100% subscription freeCrystal-clear soundiTunes tagging capableHear it, tag it, download it, and never forget itLarge LCD screen shows song title/artistPlays and charges iPhone and all iPodsDual alarm clock with snooze button5 Equalizer presets for improved audio fidelityRear firing bass ports for superior soundHeadphone stereo outputVideo output with cable connectorDipole FM antenna and wire loop AM antennaRemote control

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iLuv HD Radio & Dual Alarm Clock - Black (I168) Review

I don't typically write reviews, but i am writing this as a response to a particularly malicious review which claims that this radio is unable to receive AM-HD radio stations.

The radio arrived in attractive, high-quality packaging, with both AM and FM antennas (zero reception without them.)I haven't read the instructions (it's a radio...) but they are included as well.

I quickly unwound the power cord, plugged in the FM antenna, and plugged the radio in.Right away i was impressed with the overall build quality.Nice new-electronics smell, the display is really really beautiful, and unique (inverted black/white LCD is quite eye-catching.)The buttons feel sturdy, and give good feedback when pressed (a nice 'click' or notchiness.)

I've found more than a dozen of stations in my area that have HD stations available.There's a few 'hidden' stations in my area, as well.I was treated to a comedy station (106.5-2) as well as a 50's/60's oldies station (105.7-2.)Besides the 'hidden' stations, and the COMPLETE lack of noise or distortion when listening in digital, the sound quality difference is negligible through the small speakers, but is amazing through headphones.The lack of distortion, and perfect tuning is worth something, tho.

The real benefit is in the AM stations.The only station in my area (that i could find) that is broadcasting AM-HD in my area is WTAM 1100 out of cleveland.It takes a few seconds to kick in, but when the radio recognizes the digital station, and switches over, the quality difference is AMAZING.The difference in quality is literally the difference between traditional AM and FM reception.I really can't stress how incredible the difference really is.The radio personalities i've listened to every evening suddenly sound so much more real, and completely different, as they're now crystal clear (as well as completely free of typical AM noise/interference.)

The overall sound quality is ok.It certainly wont replace a stereo or bose-esque bookshelf system, but it's really a clock-radio at it's heart, and in the realm of clock-radios, this is among the best i've ever heard.

If you need a (nice) clock radio, or if you're like me and just wanted an inexpensive HD-radio to play with, you can't go wrong with this product. The price is right, and if the thought of listening to HD-Radio through such small speakers is making you hesitant, the headphone jack is GREAT.



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Product Description:
It's the most significant advancement in radiobroadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago. HD Radio technology enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast programs digitally - a tremendous technological leap from the analog broadcasts of the past. It delivers FM stations, now with CD-quality sound; AM stations, now with FM-quality sound; Crystal-clear reception with no audio distortion; new channels to play more of what you like to hear. There's no subscription fee! Reception is free if you have an HD Radio. ILUV I166 is an excellent clock radio that receives high-definition AM/FM radio. With HD-Radio, broadcasters can use the current radio spectrum to transmit free analog simultaneously with new higher quality digital signals. This eliminates the static, hiss, pops and fades associated with today's radio caused by conditions known as multipath, noise and interference. HD Digital Radio supports CD-quality sound as well as song titles and artist names. And because the digital signal piggybacks onto a conventional broadcast signal, it is free to the listener. We think you'll simply love this unique clock radio from iLuv. Programmable presets for 30 radio stations (10 for AM / 20 for FM) Digital dock and date display with dual alarm function Auxiliary line input for any audio devices with 3.5mm jack (i.e. your MP3 player) for play through radio Audio output - 3-Watt RMS x 2, 6-Watt RMS / 12-Watt Peak at 1% THD

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